Description ADULT Has essentially pure white plumage although feathers on neck and belly are sometimes stained with mud, oxides, and algae. Legs are dark and bill is mainly dark, although close inspection reveals base of lower mandible to be pale. Upper surface of bill is straight (cf. Tundra Swan) and follows slope of forehead. JUVENILE Has mucky gunmetal grey plumage. Bill is dirty pink.

Discussion Large and impressive swan; the largest of its kind in the region and a conservation icon. Appreciably bigger than Tundra Swan when seen side-by-side. Note the plump body, relatively short legs, and extremely long neck. The bill is triangular in outline and looks disproportionately large for the size of the head (looks more in proportion in Tundra Swan). The sexes are similar. Grazes on grassland, and also feeds on aquatic plants uprooted by submerging long neck. In flight, head and neck are held outstretched.